Letter to the editor: We must rise above original 'equality'

We are told in the Constitution that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately most people do not realize that to pursue happiness takes faith in the creator, hard work and devotion to reach that goal. Today, people want the government to make them happy because they would be happier if they had the same life as successful people who actually worked for their happiness.

Abraham Lincoln stated that “all men are created equal.” That is the “gospel” truth, but that is the only moment that all men are equal. Equality ends when we start to learn from our parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and teachers we are not really equal. We have equal “rights,” but how we use those rights will determine whether we rise above equality or fall into mediocrity, where we will expect the government to make us “equal” because we failed — failed because of our lack of faith and devotion to rise up from mediocrity.

Seek and you will find. These words from Jesus Christ tell us that it is a struggle to succeed in a world where it is easy to be mediocre. Ask and you shall receive, and the government will give you a handout and it will control your life. The choice is yours.

Our rights are equal no matter what you are told, but it is up to you to rise above “equality.” God’s rights are better than man’s rights.

Rev. Tony Joseph

Johnstown